This deadly disaster should be a wake up call to totally scrap the CDC completely.
It proves that the CDC is an ultimate failure and useless in dire situations like this.
But knowing this government their stupidity will again prevail and claim it a success and continue with it even after this disaster.
www.sbs.com.au/news/calls-for-bushfire-survivors-on-welfare-to-be-exempt-from-cashless-cardAnglicare Australia has called for welfare recipients in bushfire-affected areas to receive their payments directly, rather than have to use the cashless debit card.
In places where the cashless debit card has been rolled out, between 80 and 100 per cent of a person's income can be stored on the device, known as an Indue card, preventing purchases of alcohol and gambling.
One of the trial sites is Ceduna in South Australia where bushfires triggered a power outage to 25,000 customers on New Year's Eve.
Anglicare Australia executive director Kasy Chambers said it was unrealistic to expect people to use the card in areas where the power has been cut.
"People must be able to get essential supplies to live and adapt in the wake of the bushfires. With the power out and many outlets closed, people must be able to withdraw cash," Ms Chambers said.
Other trial sites in East Kimberley and the Goldfields in Western Australia, and Hervey Bay in Queensland are unaffected.
Earlier this week, Centrelink advised people on the cashless welfare card to call them if they have been affected by fires.
"That’s not good enough. With the power out and phones unavailable, contacting Centrelink is just not an option for people in the thick of the crisis. The card must be suspended indefinitely,” she said.
On Monday, one social media user asked how someone on the cashless welfare card was expected to feed their family.
"Are they just expected to die?" they tweeted.
In response, Centrelink said: "If anyone is in that situation, they should let us know."
The government has deployed mobile service centres to the NSW's South Coast and East Gippsland in Victoria to assist Centrelink customers in those bushfire affected regions.
Centrelink has granted exemptions to jobseekers in fire-affected communities, releasing them of mutual obligation requirements until 19 January, and suspended debt recovery efforts for two months.
Ms Chambers said those exemptions should be extended indefinitely.
“It’s clear that the bushfires will be with us well beyond next week. Even after the fire danger passes, it will take time for power to be restored, for people to find stable shelter, and to regroup their lives.
“People will need more time before they can report to Centrelink – and before debts can be collected from them.
“This also affects volunteer firefighters on Centrelink payments. Once the deadline passes, they’ll be forced back into Centrelink requirements. Some might not be in a position to keep volunteering.
The Social Services Minister Anne Ruston and the Social Services Department have been contacted for comment.